Mechanical aid for reading and writing



April 30, 1.929. v. 'MENON MECHANIQAL AID FOR READING AND WRITING '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 26, 1927 NITNESS:

ATTORNEY April 30, 9 v. R. ME NON 1,711,360

MECHANICAL AID FOR READING AND WRITING I Filed Q61". 26, 1927 7 ShGGtS-ShGet 2 INVENTOR WITNESS:

ATTORNEY April 30, 1929. v, 'R; MEQON 1,711,360

MECHANICAL AID FOR READING AND WRITING Filed Oct. 26, 1927 'r Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR NITN E55:

April 30, 1929- v. R. MENON 1,711,360

MECHANICAL AID FOR READING AND WRITING Filed Oct. 26, 1927 7 Shets-Shet 4 INVENTOR wrrwsss: A ATTORNEY v. R. MENON MECHANICAL AID FOR READING AND WRITING April 30, 1929'.

' Filed Oct. 26, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR www- ATTOR N EY WITNESS:

April 30, 1929. v. R. MENON I MscnANmAL A'ID FOR READING AND WRITING Filed o 'c. 26, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet ATTORNEY WITNESS:

April 30; 1929. v. R. MENON MECHANICAL AID FOR READING AND WRITING Filed Oct. 26, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 4IVENTOR ATTOR N EY WITNESS:

Patented Apr. 30, 1929; V

UNITED STATES rinses QVADAKKATH RAMUNNI MENON, or smen'ronn, srRArrs snr'rmimnn'rs.

MECHANICAL AID non READING AND. \VRITING.

Application-filed Gctooer 26 My invention relates to desks and more particularly to adjustable desks.

From long observationI have found that school pupils change the direction of the downward stroke of their pens with the 7 shifting of the head from side to side. This shifting of the head is due to the bending posture required to gain an accurate view of the writing or other work. Vifhen one' sits in an erect position with thehead, neck and chest in a straight line and looks .at a cup placed on a table, its rim appears elliptical while it is, in fact, a true circle. If'the cup is raised and tilted towards-us at a certain height and angle, the rim will appear in perspective or as a true circle; It is at this point that writing or reading isto be correctly and health-fully done.

With this in mind it is the principal object of the present invention to providea' desk which will bring the work in the correct focal plane of the user and positively cause the user to assume an erect position so that the eyes will be correctly focused on'the work. i

More specifically the invention provides a desk which is verticallyand 'angularly adjustable, together with a support or arm rest for both of the arms of the user whereby the latter-will be helped to remain in an upright posture while reading or writing.

The invention further provides a desk embodying a pivoted table capable of being supported in various angular'positions so that it can be used by persons occupying standing or. seated postures.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating my invention p Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a school desk and seat. adapted to school work; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same; Fig.3isaplan;" Y Fig. 1 is a vertical section; Fig. 5 is a sectional detail or the seat adjustment and taken on the line 55 of V Figure 1;

Fig. 6 is a sectional detail in planof the seat and taken on the line 66 of Figure 1;

, 152?. Serial No. 228,203.

Fig. 11 is avertical section of Fig. Son the plane 11 11; p v

Fig. 12 is an elevation of a walltype of 63581;. 7

Fig. 13 is an elevation of the type of Fig 7 yp i F 1g. 15 is an elevation of the type shown 111 F ig. 14;

1g.-14 lsa part sectional elevation of a Fig. 16 is a side elevation suitable for use If on a desk;

Fig. 17 is a ype;

Fig. 18 1s a side view of a adjustable writing easel;

front elevation of the latter fioor type Fig. 19 is a sectional View of the floor type; i

Fig. 20 is a sideview of the type adapted for use in homes;

. Fig. 21 is a vertical section of the type of Fig. 20;,

Figure 22 is a view partly in section and partly inelevation of the foot rest-embodied in the structure disclosed in Figure 21;

Figure 23 is a vertical section taken on theline 23-23 ofFigure 21. Y V

Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view of a book keepersdesk; s Fig. 25 is a front elevation of Fig. 24-;

ings, I haveshown therein in the several sheets .a'variety of useful applications of my invention all embodying one generic principle,- and varying in certain specific features to adapt the invention to different occupations. i

In Figs. '1 to 11 I have shown a type adapted particularly to the use of school .j Figure 26 is a horizontal section taken on y pupils in which both the easel for writing and reading and the seat for controlling the posture of the pupil is shown as a combined unit. .As shown therein 2, 2" represent a pair standards mounted on the base 1, the standards being slotted vertically with an elongated slot to accommodate a bolt to clamp amovable support to adjust a writing tablet and plane. The slots are indicated at 3. and the adjustable support on an inner frame 4: carrying a pivotal point 5 for an inclined writing surface or table 6 supported on a pair of side rails' 7 having offsets at a pivotal end and a notch 8 to accommodate rigid cross bars 9 to afford a rigid support for the writing surface. The inner frame comprises a pair of vertical side bars i whose upper ends are inclined or bevelled indicated at lVhen the device is to be utilized by a person occupying a standing position, the writing surface or table is swung forwardly to lie in an inclined position against the "iclined ends 5 of the bars 1. Pii'oted at their lower ends to the arms '4" are a pair of supplementary arms 10 pivoted at their lower ends and adapted to swing so as to engage any one of a series of notches 11 in the side bars of the inner frame l. At the lower limit of the pivotal writing surface 6 is mounted pivotally an arm rest 14 carried on a metallic rod 12 pivotally supported in brackets on the underside of the arm rest and capable of swinging to engage any one of a series of notches 13 at the lower margins of the side rods of the writing plane.

It will be apparent from this construc tion that the writing surface 6 may be swung over an angleof 180 and may be securely supported in any of a large series of sloping positions from the horizontal, to acconnnodate the height of the writing surface to different heights of individuals or writers, both for reading and writing, and that the adjustable arm rest permits the writing plane to be placed in a convenient angle for writing to accommodate an easy movement of the writers arm while following his vocz tion. in cooperative relation to the writing plane I provide an adjustable seat 18 which may be mounted on the inclined support 18. The seatis vertically adjustable in a series of notches 20 and has two fixed lugs 2O on the rear side adapted to engage the inclined seat support to form a fixed point for the seat and render it stable in any position of adjustment. The seat carries a pair of pivots 27 (see Fig. 6), mounted in a transverse plane to engage any of the several notches thereby permitting it to be shifted out therefrom and moved into engagement with any one of the long series of notches 20 indicated in the drawings, Fig. and when occupied by the sitter the fixed lugs 20 on the seat preferably covered with rubber secure it against yielding. Evidently by adjustment in any of the several notches the height of the seat may be regulated to suit the age and height of the individual so as to bring his eyes on a focal plane suitable for writing or reading of a book or the like supported on the plane 6. 22 represents a bolt extending transversely through the side posts of the seat frame and capable of being locked in a position by a wing nut 23. I provide also a tiltable back rest 21 capable of being adjusted to different vertical posi tions in any of the notches 20 and which affords a yielding tiltable support for the sitters back enabling the person to assume comfortable postures with reference to the writin surface. Across the end posts of the ad ustable stand for the writing plane is a movable shelf 2i capable of being locked in engagement with a series of transverse bars on the standard side-rails, or by bringing it into. close relation to the clamped bolt 15 e:-;tending through the side rail. At 26 is shown a vertical series of slots to accommodate pins 25 formed on the ends of a cros. beam 25 carried by the lower end of the ad justable frame 4t. By moving the cross bar fornardly it may be adjusted in any vertical relation carrying with it the writing stand, and by pressing rearwardly will drop into one of the slots 26 and be securely re tained, when. the wing nut cooperating with the bar 25 may be tightened rendering the adjustment perfectly secure.

In Figs. '8 to 11 is shown a modification of the mode of mounting and rendering adjustable the writing plane. As shown therein a lock bolt and wing nut 80 are provided similarly to the construction already described, but in lieu of the notches heretofore described, I provioe a series of holes 28 to accommodate the bolt, and at the bottom is a vertical slot on each side rail to accommodate a transverse bolt at the bottom. The construction of the writing plane is similar in all respects to that hereinbefore described. The specific mode of supporting the adjustable seat is similar in general arrangement. but comprises a rod 32 insertable through a pair of holes in the main side rails and capable of being locked in position by a pivoted bar, 33, on the outside which swings over the latter series of holes and is locked in adjusted position by a latch as at the top. The seat is adjustable to any one of the series of holes in. the side rail to accommodate the supporting rod 82, and a tiltable backrest 21 may be modeled similar to 21 heretofore described.

As has been already said, the writing plane for use by a writer need not necessarily be a part of a cabinet or desk but may be entirely portable or may be mounted on the wall or other v rtical surface in such a form as indicated in 14 and 16. In Figs. 14 and 15 are shown a type adapted for use on the floor. It comprises two pairs of sectional legs, pivoted together to form quadrangular base. The lower sections of the legs are slotted longitudinally as indicated at 35, 35 to accommodate adjusting bolts 36, 36, etc, with accompanying wing nuts to enter and lock the sections together in any pair of plurality or vertical re cesses 37, 87 forming part of or attached to the lower sections of the leg. T he lower legs are slotted similarly to 1 ant a bolt passing through the enter one within the slot is clamped by a lock nut to 'permit each leg to be adjustable.

Y modating a writer who desires to conduct A pivotal writing plane 38 mounted on side rails, as indicated in Fig. 14 carries a.

An arm rest mounted near the lower edge of the writing surface may be fixed or adustable as hereinbefore described. Bytlus means the slope of the writing surface mayv be varied over a wide angletoaccommodate the movements ofthe writers arm, and the double ad ustment affords means for accon1- his writing or reading at the floor lever which is a customary condition inlndia.

A further modification of the portable form of the writers aid is indicated in Figs. 16 and 17 As herein shown the mainplane carries a pivoted arm 47 capable of adjust ment to various slopes bya rod 48 pivoted thereon and engaging on aright angled terminal anyone of a plurality of longitudinal notches formedin a slot or .in an attached casting in the side of the plane. A lower series of notches 51 carries a pivoted bar 50, the upper main stem'ofwhich is shod with a-vulcanized rubber tube to constitute-a book restior reading purposes. Near the lower edge is pivoted an angular rod 53 capable of being shifted to anyone of a pluralityof notches to obtain various slopes of the arm rest The upper edge of the rod 53 has angular terminalsengagmg any one of a series of holes along the out-v side of the rail carrying the arm rest; This form is well adapted to a desk use or may be used in conjunctlon with a portable seat of general construction such as that hereinbefore described.

In Figs. 20 to 27 I have shown a form of the invention adapted to a homepuse, which embodies the same generalprinciples hereinbefore described of rendering, the focal plane of th cally adjustable to suit theieyes of the in dividual case, and is adapted to a sitting or standing posture. As herein showna pivotal plane surface as for instance a board is pivotally mounted at its. lower edge on a movable inner section of a cabinet having a plurality of horizontal shelves 6 1, 6 1 to accommodate heavy books and the like, Fixed on the plane surface 61 is a pair of rails in which is pivoted a pair of bars 62 near the upper edge of the plane with respect to the pivotal point 69, said arms having terminals adapted to cooperate with any one of a series of notches 63in vertical alignment on the sides of the movable section thereby permitting the writing surface to have an arm rest similar to the construction hereinbefore descr bed at its under surface,thus e1ther e writing or reading matter vertiadapted to be secured ona wall of a. room.

the upper surface or the lower surface may be used for writing, standing or sitting. The pivoted surface is supported by a pair of pivoted rods 60 givingit a stable support; when swung around over an angle. of 180, when, the under surface comes on top to form the active writing surface, and the pivoted arms 62am opened and lodged securelyin some one of the vertical series of notches 68.. The arm may be pivotally mounted as hereinbefore described so as to swing over an angle suitable for convenient use by awriter either in the position shown in Fig. 21 or in a downward position when the writer'is seated. The desk is adjustable in height in a vertical plane by movement vertically andthe insertion of transverse v I bolts, such as hereinbefore described, to

lodge in some one of the series of notches 67 with cooperatingtransverse bolts nested in the recesses 67. A transversely adjustable footirest 65 secured by a vertical bolt and wing nut 66 constitutes an adjustable foot rest for the writer or reader. V

:In Figs. 2a co-27 shown a'form of bookkeeper.s desk in which the stand is vertically movable with the assistance of a pair of counter wei hts as 69, 69 passing over pulleys at the top of the side bars 71,71 and carrying a slide 73 on which is pivoted atits' top'an adjustable writing plane as indicated at 68oc'arrying a pair of pivotal props 72 capable of engaging any one of a series of transverse notches? 3 in the adjustable slide.

A" pivoted arm rest 75 is provided on its lower s des with a pair of angular ends which engage notches in'theside bars or a pivoted brace 74.. By slotting the sidebars of the plane the arm rest 76 is rendered extensible, and perinits it to. form a support for alarge, heavy record, suchas a ledger or other like resting on theinclined writing lane. A brace. 74 pivoted inthe' side arms and hooked by the angular; extremitiesinto the side lZLllS of the frame adds strength to the structure.

In Figs. 12 and 13 is shown a wall type The structure is essentially the same as the type above described having a SlOlJlIl the SlClG'OIliiSlClG rails, permitting the pivotal end of the plane to be raised and lowered vertioally and to be propped at any angle in notches 11 by propsas 7T. Notches 26 accommodatea bolt15 carried by, the inner movable memberto beshifted in slots on the the cabinet in any adjustment.

Figs. 18 and 19 show a fioortype; a,sta-' tionary base 56 permits the inner adjustable member to be ra1sed and supportedad ustably to a desired level by notches 67, b7v

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forming an anchorage for a transverse bolt and the pivotal writing plane 57 carrying pivoted props 58 engaging notches 58 permits any slope of the plane, and an arm rest 58' to accommodate the arm cmnlort-ably while writing.

I would have it understood that while having described herein a uun'iber specific forms by which the invention may be carried out, I am not limited to any particular form of the inven on, as I consider it new with me to provide a system which admits of an easy posture for a writer or reader while engaged in his occupation, and adapts the focal plane or the writing or reading matter to be conveniently adjustable to his range of sight. lvloreover, I consider it novel with me to provide an adjustable arm may be rest by which fatigue of the wri ions at his 'ada ated for writin said olane bei adjustable to variable fixed inclinatioi to a horizontal, an arm rest on the lower edge adjustable at variable fixed angles abore and below the plane of the writing surface, said plane for the writing being reversible over an angle of 180 to render either plane surface available for writing on different levels as when standing or sitting.

2. A desk comprising a support, an incl incd table carried thereby, and an arm carried by the lower end of the table and extending horizontally and being of sufii cient length to accommodate both arms of the user, the arm rest having an upper surtaco oi substantial width whereby to sup port the arms of the user and cause such user to assume an erect position.

3. In a desk, a support, a table pirotally connected thereto and normally extending downwardly and forwardly therefrom, means connecting the table and support for permitting the table to rest against the support in an inclined position whereby to sup port the forearm of the human body while in a standing posture, and means for supporting the table at various positions to one side of the support to support the forearm while the human body isin a seated posture.

-i. In a desk, a support, a table pivotally connected thereto and normally extending downwardly and forwardly therefrom, means connecting the table and support for permitting the table to rest against the support in an inclined position whereby to support the forearm of the human body while in a standing posture, means for supporting the table at various positions to one side of the support and an arm rest carried by the lower edge of the table to support the forearm while the human. body is in a seated posture.

5. In a desk, support having an inclined upper end, a table pivotally attached ther "to adjacent such upper end to swingvabout a horizontal axis and adapted to rest in an'in clined position against the inclined upper end, and means whereby to support the table to one side of the support when desired.

6. In a desk, a support having an inclined ipper end, a table pivotally attached there- 0 adjacent such upper end to swing about a horizontal axis and adapted to rest in an inclined position against the inclined upper end, and arm rests secured to the opposite l ll:

or whichbeing adapted to abut the support to rigidly support the table in an inclined ion at one side ofthe support.

A desk comprising a support, an incl ined table carried thereby, an arm rest adjustable about a horizontal axis at the lower end the table and extending horizontally and being of sullicient length to accommod tc both arms of the user, the arm rest havi an upper transversely convex surface which forms a substantially horizontal-sup' port for the arms regardless of the adjustment of such arm rest.

8. A desk comprising a support, averticall adjustable inclined table carriedthercby, an arm rest carried by the lower end of the table and extending horizontally and being of suihcient length to accommodate both arms of the user, and means for adjusting the arm rest towards and away from the inclined table.

a. [i writers aid con'ioris a cabinet with an outer section designed to rest on the floor, an inner movable section adjustable to different heights for writing, a plane writi. surface mounted thereon to support the writing material and adjustable to diiierent inclinations from the horizontal plane to locus the material. to the writers eye, and an arm rest adjustable to various fixed angles relative to the various posit-ions of the plane writing surface to hold the writers arms in proper position and thereby render the writers vision accurate when writing.

10. A desk comprising a support, an inclined table carried thereby, and an arm rest carried by the lower end of the table and extending horizontally and being of suliicient length to accommodate both arms of the user, the arm rest being fixed against lateral movement relative to the table and having an upper surface of substantial width whereby to support the arms of the user and cause such user to assume an erect position.

11. A desk comprising a support, a vertically adjustable inclined table carried thereby, an arm rest having an upper curved surface of substantial width carried by the cos of the table at its opposite ends, one

lower end of the table and extending horizontally and being of suflicient length to accommodate both arms of the user. a

12. A desk for reading and writing comprising a work-supporting member, means for adjusting said member to various heights and slopes to bring the work into correct focal relationship to the eyes of the user, and a transverse ledge having an upper surface of substantial Width, said ledge extending transversely along the lower edge of the work-supporting member and adapted to form an arm rest and being of sufiicient length to support both the arms of the user and assist the body of the user to remain in an upright position while reading and Writing. e

13. A desk comprising a support, an inclined table carried thereby, and an arm rest adjustable about a horizontal axis at the lower end of the table and extending horizontally and being of suflicient length to accommodate both arms of the user, the arm rest being fixed against lateral movement relative to the table and having an upper surface which forms a substantially horizontal support for the arms regardless of the adjustment of such arm rest.

14. In combination with an inclined table,

an arm rest carried by the lower end of the table and extending horizontally andbeing of sufficient length to accommodate both arms of the user, the arm rest having an upper surface of substantial width whereby to support the arms of the user and cause such user to assume an erect position, said arm rest being bodily adjustable along the upper surface of the table toward or from the upper end thereof, and means for holding the same in various adjusted positions. 15. In combination with an inclined table,

an arm rest carried by the lower end of the table and extending horizontally and being of sufiicient length to accommodate both arms of the user, the arm rest having an upper surfacefot substantial Width whereby to support the arms of the user and cause such user to assume an erect position, said arm rest being bodily adjustable along the upper surface of the table toward and from the upper end thereof, means for holding the same in various adjusted positions, and a support arranged beneath the table and pivotally connected thereto adjacent its upper end for supporting the same in an inclined position.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

VADAKKATH RAMUNNI MENON. 

